2018 MINI gets more tech and new DCT option

The 2018 MINI – Hatch, five-door and Convertible – gets additional tech, more customisation, LED lights and a new optional seven-speed DCT gearbox.

MINI is giving its range – hatchback, five-door and convertible – a bit of a makeover for 2018 including, for the first time, the arrival of a dual-clutch automatic gearbox.

All MINIs will now come as standard with LED headlights and taillights, and the tail lights come with a new ‘Union Jack’ graphic (just in case we forget MINI’s roots are British) and there’s also optional Adaptive headlights with Matrix beam.

To make your MINI really yours, you’ll also be able to order up 3D printed customised versions of stuff like illuminated door sills and side scuttles, and there’s a new, back to basics, MINI logo on display too.

Inside there’s a new steering wheel and an updated version of the 6.5″ infotainment, with Nav Plus and Wireless phone charging options, as well as an optional upgrade including Apple CarPlay, with an extended range of leather trim and new backlit surfaces.

Under the skin, the arrival of a new seven-speed DCT gearbox promises faster gear changes and a slight improvement in economy, which can be specced on MINI One, MINI Cooper, MINI Cooper S and MINI Cooper D.

The MINI 3-Door Hatch comes with a choice of five engines (four petrol, one diesel) including the new 1.5 litre petrol, the MINI 5-door gets a choice of four engines (three petrol, one diesel) and the MINI Convertible comes only with three petrol options.

The 2018 MINI range will be in MINI’s UK showrooms in March.